INDIA TO DELIVER FIRST BATCH OF BRAHMOS MISSILE SYSTEM TO PHILIPPINES SOON: WHY THIS IS A BIG DEAL

The first batch of the export variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from India is set to arrive in the Philippines soon. Several media reports noted that the delivery is likely to happen on Friday.

This export is a big deal for India. It has immense economic, diplomatic, and geopolitical significance, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.

Here's a look at what the BrahMos export deal with the Manila included, and why this delivery is a big step for New Delhi.

The Philippines' BrahMos order

In January 2022, India and the Philippines signed a $375 million deal. As part of the agreement, BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an Indo-Russian joint venture, would provide three export variants of the supersonic BrahMos missile weapon systems to Manila. Each system has two missile launchers, a radar and a command-and-control centre. Two missiles can be fired within 10 seconds, from submarines, ships, aircraft, or from land platforms.

The deal includes an integrated logistics support package and training for operators and maintainers that the island nation will need for the BrahMos.

Now, two years after the pact was inked, the first batch of the munitions is set to arrive in the Philippines. Sources told Firstpost that the shipment comprises the first missile and other BrahMos battery systems.

A big 'first' for India

According to the Ministry of Defence, India already exports systems such as the Dornier-228 aircraft, 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Guns, Akash missile system, radars, simulators, Mine Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles, PINAKA rockets and launchers, thermal imagers, body armour, line replaceable units, parts and components of avionics (aviation electronics), and small arms.

However, the India-Philippines BrahMos missile export agreement is understood to be the first major military export deal for New Delhi. India, the top importer of weapons in the world, has been pushing aggressively for greater self-reliance in this arena. In fact, the country has also set ambitious defence export targets and aims to eventually become a net exporter of defence products.

This delivery of the weapons system to the Philippines is a big victory for India in that direction. It is crucial for morale in the military-industrial complex (MIC) domestically. But that is not it. Internationally, and especially in the Southeast Asian region, it serves to bolster India's reliability as a reliable new player when it comes to weapons exports.

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A boost for India-Philippines relations

India has been looking to strengthen its defence cooperation with the Philippines amid rising worries over China's military assertiveness in the South China Sea. The region is a significant source of hydrocarbons and China's claim of sovereignty over the entire area has raised concerns globally.

The BrahMos deal reiterated New Delhi's commitment to maintaining strong relations with Manila. The deliveries are another step in that direction.

For India to maintain its circle of influence in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific, the support of countries like the Philippines means a lot.

Another positive signal to nations interested in BrahMos

In June last year, Atul Dinkar Rane, the Director General of BrahMos Aerospace, said that as many as 12 countries had shown interest in missile system. Argentina and Vietnam's interest in acquiring the system has been well-documented, too.

The BrahMos missiles are a big-ticket purchases. With big-ticket acquisitions concerning national security, countries look for as much assurance as possible regarding the reliability of the supply as well as the efficacy of the system.

This delivery is very likely to be seen as a positive signal by nations interested in the weapons system.

The strategic impact of the mode of delivery

Reports suggest that at least one Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster aircraft is being used to make the deliveries to the Philippines' marine forces. This aircraft is used for delivering military cargo and troops.

The IAF C-17 is comparatively faster than civilian aircraft. Its speed and reliability are likely to leave a good impression on what can be expected in terms of future after-sales servicing and maintenance of the weapons system.

It is also an unmissable sign of the synergy between the Indian military and BrahMos Aerospace -- and how that can be leveraged by India for regional trade and strategic partners.

With inputs from agencies

2024-04-19T07:28:21Z dg43tfdfdgfd